I think you will all agree the CHRVA Region Handbook is a pretty darn good document, and it has been “fine-tuned” over the years by many knowledgeable and dedicated current and former Region members. But no matter how well our Region Handbook is written, it is virtually impossible to write in a rule or policy that covers every conceivable situation. This is why the Adult Tournament Scheduling Program publishes Region Handbook Interpretations.

     What drives an Interpretation and how are these Interpretations arrived at? A Region Handbook Interpretation is usually brought about as a result of a Handbook question posed by a Division Coordinator or Tournament Host. For example, here is an Interpretation brought about by a question posed by a Tournament Host to a Division Coordinator. Section 4.5.4 comprehensively covers tournament invitations and after reading it one would think that sections really covers all the bases. But does it? No, because the Tournament Host raised an issue not covered in the section; that is, the Host wanted a particular team denied entry into its tournament. Did a Tournament Host have the right to make such a request under Region rules and did the Coordinator have the authority to grant such a request?

     Since Section 4.5.4 did not address the issue, an Interpretation was needed. After researching the Handbook, the Interpretation arrived at was the following: “A tournament host may not request that a team or teams be denied entry into its tournament. Such a request shall be denied by the Division Coordinator. The Division Coordinator may not deny a team entry into a particular tournament unless the team is under suspension (4.5.4.1), or the team’s application form is late or incomplete (4.5.5.1).” The Interpretation now provides a “rule” to go by if a Host in the future makes the same request to a Division Coordinator.

     There are currently over 25 Region Handbook Interpretations in effect, and they cover everything from further defining Historical Date Priority (HDP) to Complaints and Appeals. The Interpretations have the same “force of law” in the Adult Program as the rules and policies found in the Region Handbook and will remain in effect until changes to the Handbook make their continuance unnecessary.

     The Region Handbook Interpretations link may be found on the main page of the CHRVA website directly beneath CHRVA Region Handbook. Players, Team Representatives and captains, and Tournament Hosts are all urged to visit the site throughout the regular season to familiarize themselves with the latest Interpretations. I have no doubt that as the Adult Regular Season progresses, new and intriguing questions will arise as a result of the rules as written in our Region Handbook. Handbook Interpretations are the means by which we clarify the rules and provide answers to those questions.

     Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or comments pertaining to the Region Handbook Interpretations.